gw group phase 2 report christmas tree project canada

Phase 2 Report

Christmas Tree Plantation: Site Plan

March 27, 2009

2095438 Ontario Ltd. o/a

Hollands Forestry Consulting 199 Ravina Avenue

Garson, Ontario, P3L 1A7 Tel: 705 693 9089 Fax: 705 693 9191

email: [email protected]

Prepared for GW New Brunswick Project Ltd.

Hollands Forestry Consulting Site Plan report for Greenwood New Brunswick

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Executive Summary

The York parcel demonstrated good potential for conversion to Christmas tree production subject to

appropriate investment. The entire site requires clearance of its woody vegetation and conversion of the

parcel to an agricultural condition. Approximately 35 ha are estimated available for conversion to plantation.

However soil analysis and initial augering efforts suggest uncertainty about the development potential of the

central portion of the property that currently supports young mid-rotation balsam fir. This area appears to

have a subsurface impediment layer that is influencing its productivity. Until further evaluation has occurred

it is recommended that the central portion of the area be bypassed. The area may qualify for a stand

improvement subsidy for thinning through a provincial program.

This results in a development potential of approximately 26 hectares. Should the decision to

proceed with development of the York site, improvements to access and the creek water crossing, along

with access control at the highway entrance to the property are recommended.

The site visit affirmed that the majority of the Sundbury site will not support development as it sits in

a flood plain. The resulting productive area suitable for supporting development is estimated at 3.7 acres

(1.5 hectares). The limited productive area of the Sundbury parcel and the deficiencies noted in the soil

analysis clearly reduce this site’s development potential for Christmas tree production. This parcel’s role in

the GW New Brunswick Project Ltd. portfolio should be evaluated.

This report presents the results of a site visit to the GW New Brunswick Project Ltd. properties in

York and Sundbury Townships near Fredericton New Brunswick Canada. The site visit was conducted from

September 1 to 5, 2008. The purpose for the site visit was to verify site conditions and to provide

recommendations regarding the suitability of converting the properties into Christmas tree

plantations. Contact was also made with the local Christmas tree grower’s support agency resulting in a joint

inspection of the York property with a representative of the agency. In addition contact was made with a local

Christmas tree grower. A site visit to this grower`s property at the invitation of the grower occurred and

observation of grower’s crews conducting pruning work and discussion of tree grading also occurred.


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Table of Contents Hollands Forestry Consulting ...................................................................................................... 1 Executive Summary ........................................................................................................................ 2 1.0 Site Inspection ........................................................................................................................... 4

1.1 Sundbury 40 acres ................................................................................................................. 4 1.2 York 104.4 acres ................................................................................................................... 6 1.3 Soil Analysis and Fertility .................................................................................................... 8

1.3.1 Soils for York 104.4 acres ............................................................................................. 8 1.3.2 Soils for Sundbury 40.0 acres ........................................................................................ 9

2.0 Best Management Practices ...................................................................................................... 9 3.0 Species Selection .................................................................................................................... 11 4.0 Recommendations ................................................................................................................... 11

4.1 Sundbury 40 acre ................................................................................................................ 11 4.2 York 104.4 acre ................................................................................................................... 12

5.0 Implementation Plan & Costing.............................................................................................. 13 5.1 Site Preparation ................................................................................................................... 13 5.2 Tiling to Improve Drainage ................................................................................................ 14 5.3 Access Road ........................................................................................................................ 15 5.4 Access Control .................................................................................................................... 16 5.5 Seedling Procurement ......................................................................................................... 16 5.5 Planting ............................................................................................................................... 16 5.6 Establishment Cost.............................................................................................................. 17

Appendix I .................................................................................................................................... 19 Appendix II ................................................................................................................................... 21


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1.0 Site Inspection

Networking activities consisted of visiting two area Christmas tree plantations, with one of these

visits accompanied by the owner. A small ‘hobby’ cedar sawmill was visited near the Sundbury property.

Networking also included a visit to the Forestry Centre in Fredericton New Brunswick to become familiarized

with the various provincial, federal, and institutional agencies that serve the natural resource community in

the region.

1.1 Sundbury 40 acres The results of the site inspections suggest that the Sundbury parcel is too small to make a

significant contribution towards development. The majority of area of this parcel is east of the road in terrain

subject to seasonal high water conditions. This seasonal floodway makes this property an interesting

ecological feature, however this condition limits conversion of the property to the commercial development

identified as the objective of the land

owner.

West of the road, a rock

outcrop adjacent to the access road

and the proximity of a rich bottom land

forest condition along the creek

drainage (figure 1) that forms the north

boundary of this property restricts

Christmas tree development potential to

about 1.5 ha which would support

approximately 3,000 trees.

The productive portion of the

property supports mature red spruce and cedar. Clearcut harvesting of the Sundbury property would yield

approximately 5 loads of red spruce, balsam fir and cedar resulting in an estimated stumpage between

Figure 1. Creek forming north boundary of Sundbury 40 acre.

The GW New Brunswick Project Ltd. properties were inspected in early September 2009. The site

visit consisted of 3.5 contact days scouting, mapping and assessing the York property, 1.0 days scouting,

mapping and assessing the Sundbury property, and 0.5 contact days networking and establishing local

industry contacts. One day was also allocated for travel between Ontario and New Brunswick.


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$1,000 and $4,000 dollars to the landowner depending on market conditions and products generated from

the timber sale. Good red spruce and cedar sawlog material is present on the site. However the volume is

small due to the small area. A decision to not develop this site for Christmas tree production would typically

result in a recommendation of the use of a partial harvest system to mange this forest type. Shelterwood

partial harvest systems retain mature canopy for natural seeding and partial shade required to properly

regeneration the forest over a harvest cycle of ten to twenty-five years depending on regeneration response.

This reduces the immediate volume available to one to two loads of wood. The application of partial harvest

systems to naturally regenerate this site thus results in marginally viable harvest chance. The harvest is by

no means a guaranteed viable commercial harvest for most operators. However this might be suitable for a

small independent operator looking for local work.

Similar volumes may be harvested from this property in five to ten years depending on

establishment of renewal and crown structure of the remaining trees. The practice of good forestry on this

property however generates insignificant revenue for the landowner. The maintenance of this property in a

natural and obviously important ecological condition may however achieve other objectives of the landowner.

The presence of cedar and red spruce indicates that soils are rich and very moist, implying that any

conversion to Christmas tree

plantation would require tiling to

improve drainage. Figure 2 displays

these bottomland forest conditions.

Property corner pins or

markers were not found during this

portion of the site visit. A formal

survey to verify parcel boundaries

may be required if the corner points

cannot be located during subsequent

site visits.

Figure 2. Rich bottomland forest condition with red spruce, birch and fern ground cover on the Sundbury 40 acre.


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1.2 York 104.4 acres The site visit to the York property resulted in confirmation of the location of most of the property pin

markers. Six of the eight pins were observed in the field. Photos of the northern corner points and remnants

of a wire fence line and evidence of a cleared property survey line were noted along the south boundary.

Photos of these features are presented in Appendix I. Remnants of an old cedar rail fence were also

evident along the southeast portion of the property, west of the creek gully. The fence line did not appear to

carry on too far into the property. The property boundary beyond the end of the fence line was not clearly

distinguishable. Care in determining the north boundary of the property is suggested for any undertaking on

the property.

Forest conditions vary across the property. The entrance to the property is primarily grasses. The

area immediately across the creek supports the remnants of an old apple orchard and indications of

previous cultivation. There is a

small clearing with grasses and

small brush present (figure 3),

however the majority of the

ground cover in this area is

heavy brush comprised of

willow and alder as displayed in

the background of figure 3. The

presence of willow and alder

indicates issues with drainage

on the site.

The land then

transitions into young mid-

rotation balsam fir that is

currently marketable as pulp, or may be eligible for silvicultural subsidy1

1 Application can be made to the York Sundbury Charlotte Forest Products Marketing Board for funds to support stand improvement activities.

for commercial or pre-commercial

thinning. The balance of the property supports a healthy and vigourous regenerating young forest of mixed

species in the area that was previously clearcut. Regenerating trees in the clearcut portion of the property

Figure 3. Organic incorporation in the surface soils, old field and re-colonizing shrubs indicate evidence of past agricultural development west of creek, York 104 acres.


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include cedar, balsam fir, aspen poplar, white birch, grey birch, and sugar maple. This site can be

considered fully regenerated and depending on landowner objectives may be considered free to grow.

Like the observation of the forest, soil conditions also vary across the property. Soils in the

entrance of the property are somewhat constricted by a dry clay, porous shale type soil that may prove

difficult to cultivate. The soils immediately across the creek were previously cultivated and will prove suitable

for supporting Christmas trees once the brush has been cleared and the land tilled or cultivated. Tile

drainage would improve the productivity of this area. Figure 4 displays the rich agricultural soils disturbed

recently by someone accessing the

property with all terrain equipment

when the site was saturated resulting

in rutting, erosion and sedimentation.

This evidence demonstrates the

importance of drainage and

establishment of a solid road base

from which to work and access the

site.

The area of young mid-

rotation balsam fir proved difficult to

auger when collecting the soil

samples. There is a high proportion

of coarse fragment in the surface soils or possibly a soil condition similar to the coarse shale material found

in the entrance area to the property. Alternatively this area may have surface limestone bed rock present.

This area may not prove suitable for conversion to Christmas tree plantation. Further soil mapping is

required to determine the suitability of this site for Christmas tree production prior to the removal of the

young early rotation balsam fir stand presently occupying this site.

The clear cut area comprises the bulk of the area available for conversion to Christmas tree

plantation. Trees are young and can easily be chipped or bulldozed to remove from the site. However soil

moisture conditions are too wet to ensure survival and suitable productivity without tilling to improve

drainage. The importance of improved drainage on the York property is the main consideration identified by

Figure 4. Disturbed agriculture soils west side of creek, York 104 acres.


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Chris Dickie2, Christmas Tree Specialist with INFOR3

1.3 Soil Analysis and Fertility

. Mr. Dickie affirmed that the current moisture regime

of the property will subject the seedlings to increase incidence of root rot and suboptimal growth and vigour

response. In addition Mr. Dickie indicated that productive area would also be limited since portions of the

property would be too wet to support equipment required for plantation maintenance and tending.

Results of soil analysis performed by INFOR to assess the initial fertility of the site is presented in

the section below.

Soil analysis services were provided by INFOR. Interpretation of result and recommendation on

fertilization were provided by Chris Dickie, Christmas Tree Specialist for INFOR. Surface soils were sampled

from various locations across the property. Areas of similar conditions were combined to produce a blended

sample. In general two to three soil samples were combined in the field to form the base of each analyzed

sample. Results of the soil analysis demonstrated in general that soils were somewhat more acidic than that

which produces optimum growing conditions and that essential soil nutrients were somewhat limited.

Improving drainage will assist with improving the pH, along with liming. This will also assist with improving

available nutrients. However fertilizers and lime are required to bring the sites into alignment for effective

seedling establishment. Specific observations for each site are discussed in the following section.

1.3.1 Soils for York 104.4 acres

Soil Organic Component: The analysis of the twelve York site samples indicated the organic

component of the soil is generally adequate for Christmas tree production with the lowest value noted as

4.1% and ranging to a high of 8.4%. The surface rock encounter in the area near the standing young mid-

rotation balsam fir suggests an adnominal result at 19.7% and is suspected to be a function of localized soil

impediment or surface bedrock. The target minimum value for Christmas tree production is identified as a

surface soil organic material component of 4.5% or greater. Organic incorporation in surface soils is thus

generally adequate to support productive Christmas tree production. Analysis results are presented in

Appendix II. A map displaying sample locations and the pH zones is also presented in Appendix II.

2 The author was accompanied by Chris Dickie during a site visit to the York property the morning of September 2, 2008 to provide advice and share his experience regarding Christmas tree culture, and to verify the sampling methodology used for soil sampling by INFOR. 3 INFOR is a key resource supporting the New Brunswick Christmas Tree industry.


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Soil Acidity: Results suggest that the central portion of the property which largely corresponds to the

area currently occupied by the standing young mid-rotation balsam fir and the section of property adjacent

to the north boundary tree line are too acidic for productive Christmas tree production. Augmentation of the

soil with Dolimitic lime to increase pH is recommended should this area be identified for conversion to

Christmas tree production. Dolimitic lime is recommended as it makes available to plants the macronutrients

like magnesium that are also noted as deficient. Improved drainage will also contribute to reducing the

acidic nature of the soil and improve the availability of macronutrients to plants.

Macronutrients: Calcium (Ca) Magnesium (Mg) and potassium (K) shown to be deficient or of

limited availability. Improving pH (reducing acidity) and the addition of fertilizer to bring the field up to

desired thresholds and annual monitoring to establish maintenance fertilizing levels will assist with achieving

optimum growing conditions. Calcium appears strongly correlated with areas of the property were pH is

established as being too low for productive Christmas tree growth. The deficiencies for magnesium and

potassium are broader and more typical of native soil conditions.

1.3.2 Soils for Sundbury 40.0 acres

Soils were sampled in the productive forest area of the property. Three soil samples were analyzed

collected from five points. Analysis results indicate that all samples were deficient to the requirements for

productive Christmas tree plantations. The pH ranged from 4.3 to 4.8, well below the accepted target of

5.5+. Organic matter is well below the desired minimum 4.5% target. Macronutrients calcium, magnesium,

and potassium were all demonstrated deficient.

No sampling of soils occurred in the unproductive floodway area of the property due to the limited

development potential of the site. Sample results are presented in Appendix II. A site map of sample

locations and pH zones is also presented in Appendix II.

2.0 Best Management Practices The following discussion is sourced primarily from Estabrooks (1986)4

4 Estabrooks, G.F. 1986. Growing balsam fir Christmas trees in field and forest. Government of Canada, Canadian Forestry Service – Maritimes, Information Report M-X-164, revised 1988. 23 pp.

which provides information for

plantation establishment and maintenance. The information is supplemented by fall 2008 discussions

between the author with the INFOR Christmas Tree Specialist and local growers Brian Fox and Jeff

McMullen. The following presents the current understanding of Christmas tree plantation cultivation.


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Important first considerations in plantation establishment are the identification of boundaries, and the

planning of roadways and tree spacing. Property boundaries should be clearly marked. An all season road

way will assist with maintenance and access during wet seasons. Plantation design should leave two

unplanted rows after each 12 to 16 rows providing effective access to the site for tree maintenance and

reducing the distance for the physical handling of harvested trees from stump to the trailer for transport to

the processing area. Spacing of 1.5 X 1.5 metres is adequate to produce quality Christmas trees in the 2.0

to 2.4 metre height range (6’ to 8’). Most growers use a 1.8 X 1.8 metre tree spacing to accommodate

small tractors or all terrain vehicle access between rows for maintenance. Jeff McMullen installed modified

rails on maintenance equipment to catch and lift low hanging branches up out of the reach of mower blades

and tractor tires reducing damage to trees in their early development years.

Tree culture and routine management practices of weed and insect control, fertilizing and harvesting

are more easily performed under field conditions rather than on forest sites. Agricultural practices greatly

reduce manual labour requirements.

Site preparation typically involves plowing and harrowing to break the sod, cultivate compacted

areas, level the surface, improve drainage and aeration. The York site however requires removal of the

existing forest vegetation before cultivation can be considered. Tile drainage is also recommended for the

York site in order to consider the broadest range of species and to reduce root rot potential associated with

wet soil conditions.

Soil pH above 5.5 is recommended for productive Christmas tree production. Soil analysis to

provide an indication of macronutrient levels of calcium, phosphorous and potassium will also assist with

planning soil enhancements to promote optimum growth. Spring application after the rainy season winds

down is typically the most appropriate time for fertilization. Splitting the target fertilization amount into two

applications about six weeks apart leads to more effective uptake by the trees, however requiring labour

costs for two applications. Warm soil conditions also enhance nutrient uptake further supporting the two

application approach. Late application of fertilizer can prolong growth late into the season delaying dormancy

and putting the plant at risk of frost damage.

Ground cover comprised of clover, a low ground cover known to add nitrogen to the soil, coupled

with low growing grasses such as creeping fescue or Kentucky bluegrass is considered to be desirable.

Mowing to control taller grasses and weeds, and reduce damage from rodents, coupled with herbicide

applications provides effective control of weeds that threaten crop establishment. Mowing a minimum of two


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times during the growing season is recommended. Weeds compete with crop trees for site resources of

water, nutrients and growing space. Weed control is critical during the first two years of plantation

establishment and beneficial to the tree in subsequent years. Weed control also reduces fire risk.

Herbicide use to assist with site preparation and control of weeds provides and effective tool to

assist plantation establishment and maintenance. However care is required in selecting the application rate

and method long with timing of the application to ensure the crop trees are not damaged by their use.

Similar care is also required when applying fertilizers and lime to improve field fertility.

3.0 Species Selection Three tree species are typically used in the New Brunswick area for Christmas tree plantations. Balsam

fir is the most common tree planted for Christmas trees and is noted as the province’s provincial tree.

Frazer fir is also planted and is desired by many for its foliage colour and branching and its ability to retain

its needles long after harvest. Frazer fir is also noted for its exacting site and fertilization requirements

making it a demanding crop to cultivate. The species requires well drained sites and optimally timed and

blended fertilization regimes to achieve growth, and later to achieve desired colour at harvest. Cross species

cultivars of Frazer-balsam are now available and are being tested and planted in New Brunswick. The intent

of the cross is benefit from the Frazer`s foliage and needle retention while benefiting from the balsam fir`s

wider site tolerances.

Tiling of the York site to improve drainage is required if the potential to plant Frazer fir is to be

considered. This drainage work is also required to reduce the risk of root rot in balsam fir and assure

plantation productivity.

Brian Fox of Fox Brand is identified as a competent source in guiding the selection of species and

subsequent Christmas tree establishment.

4.0 Recommendations

4.1 Sundbury 40 acre 1. It is the author’s opinion that G New Brunswick Project Ltd. considers the value of the Sundbury

40 acre parcel as part of the company’s holdings. Boundaries are not clearly defined however it

appears that less than 10% of the area of the property can be developed to support Christmas

trees. In addition, soil moisture, soil organic component, soil pH and soil nutrients


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are considered deficient on the site requiring significant augmentation for productive Christmas

tree culture. The current forest cover on the site is an appropriate productive use for the site.

Security of the site is also a consideration due to the property`s relative remoteness. Access is

however good during the snow free months. The property has significant ecological value as a

seasonal floodway east of the road and supports a small patch of rich bottomland forest

immediately adjacent and west of the road. These ecological features may be marketable to

some that wish to have good forest management and protection of sensitive sites in their

portfolio.

4.2 York 104.4 acre 1. Application should be made to access silviculture funding for thinning the early rotation balsam

fir standing on the York 104 acres. Simultaneously, further site inspection should be conducted

to determine the source of the restrictive layer in the soil profile and thus determine whether or

not this portion of the property can be converted to Christmas tree plantation. This approach

would then provide required information to make an informed decision as to the value of

converting this portion of the property to Christmas tree plantation or the value of maintenance

and enhancement of the existing timber crop.

2. Application should be made to the Department of Agriculture and Aquaculture5

3. While options exist on the method and technique to clear the vegetation from the site, any

decision to proceed with development of either property must be accompanied with the intent

and commitment to the installation of tile drainage. Installation of tile drainage is required to

allow species selection options, reduce potential for root rot, increase site productivity, and

permit access for tending, maintenance and harvesting equipment without damaging or

impacting the site.

to convert a

portion of the York site to agriculture under the province’s current incentive program. The

designated area could remain in production for the term required by the program prior to

conversion to Christmas tree production.

5 The Department of Agriculture and Aquaculture currently supports 35% of eligible costs to convert land to agriculture to a maximum of $7,500.


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4. A gate is required at the highway entrance to control access to the property once investment

into the site occurs.

5. The upgrade and maintenance of approximately 400 metres of existing road and extension of

this access by approximately 750 metres is required to ensure the entire parcel is accessible in

the event that a decision to proceed is considered.

6. Capital improvements are recommended for the culvert installation on the creek at the entrance

to the property to protect access and bring the culvert installation more in line with water

crossing standards.

The following section presents information and costs supporting the above recommendations.

5.0 Implementation Plan & Costing All cost estimates presented below assume development of the York property only and assume the full

35 hectares of available land are converted. It is assumed that the Sundbury property will not be developed

and thus costs are not considered for this site. The author is prepared to develop cost estimates for the

Sundbury site should the decision occur to proceed with developing the productive area of the Sundbury

parcel into a Christmas tree plantation.

5.1 Site Preparation Areas targeted for conversion to Christmas tree plantation required the conversion of the land to an

agricultural condition. This cultivation makes the site more uniform permitting mechanical planting and thus

better spacing control to optimize utilization of productive land. Uniform conditions enable the grower greater

control over site conditions, vegetative competition, and more efficient access for maintenance and tending

of the plantation.

The conversion to an agricultural condition requires the removal of the existing vegetation, roots,

and large rocks, tilling and cultivating of the land. This effort is followed by the application of herbicides to

control the re-establishment of forest brush and tree species and to allow the establishment of a cover crop

that will hold and protect the site. Cover crops tend to be a blend or mixture of grasses, fescues, and

clover. It is also possible to establish some agricultural crops like rye during the initial years to generate

some revenues during plantation establishment. The rye also acts as a cover crop protecting the ground

cover species while they are being established.


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Various options exist to convert the site from forest to agricultural condition. Equipment with

brushing or chipping heads can be used to reduce the woody biomass to chip form which is then

incorporated into the soil structure. Excavators are then used to remove large stumps and rocks. The site is

now ready for tilling, herbicide applications and disking to prepare the surface soils for seeding to a cover

crop. This option produces a field suitable for agriculture for approximately $4230 per acre ($10,452/ha).

No area is lost to windrow or piled vegetative debris. All chipped wood fibre remains on site and contributes

to the organic component of the soil.

Alternatively, a D8 tractor can be used to windrow surface vegetation, clearing the site for the soil

grinder or tilling and cultivating using regular farming tools. Windrows should be allowed to sit for a year or

two prior to bringing the grinder in to mulch and convert the windrows to productive area. This option will

create a site suitable for agriculture, however productive area is lost due to the presence of windrows that

require subsequent treatment to recapture this area. This treatment is estimated at $2800 per acre

($6918/ha). This price does not include the additional cost of removing the windrows at a future date.

Total price for the chipping site preparation strategy for 35 hectares is $365,831.60, while the

windrow method is estimated at a cost of $242,158.00 plus a future cost of $10,000 to $15,000 to cultivate

the windrows and recover the productive area. Plantable area will be reduced in the initial years by the

presence of the windrows.

5.2 Tiling to Improve Drainage

Tile drainage is recommended to protect trees from risk of root rot and to allow for a broader range

of species selection opportunities, thus mitigating establishment risk. The cost of tiling is estimated at

$1500-$1600 per acre ($3,700-$3,955/ha).

Conversion of the GW properties to Christmas tree plantation is not recommended unless drainage is

included as part of the site preparation plan. Productive Christmas tree plantations require conditions similar

to cultivated agricultural lands to provide the optimum growing conditions required by the trees. Healthy,

vigourous trees are more able to defend themselves from insect and fungal pests. Current soil conditions are

too wet to allow regular passage of tending equipment traffic. Wet soils are also known to promote root rot

in balsam fir. Consideration of planting Fraser fir cannot occur under the current existing wet conditions. This

species requires fertile, well drained sites to be productive and healthy.


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5.3 Access Road Only a portion of the property is accessed. Good access is required into support maintenance and

tending activities and to ensure that the product can be can be effectively harvested, processed and hauled

to market during the fall wet season. Figure 5 demonstrates rutting caused by local traffic which prohibits

limits access to the site. Improvement of the existing trail and extension of this trail into the York property is

recommended. This work can be accomplished during the site preparation phase of the project.

Approximately 400 metres of road should be upgraded west of the creek. And approximately 750 metres of

trail should be constructed to create this access. It is estimated $30,000 is required for maintenance and

establishment of the access trail and capping the trail with a light coating of gravel.

The culvert crossing the creek

on the property is also poorly installed

and does not reflect best management

practices. The existing culvert appears

to be a reasonable size however it is

not known that an assessment of the

watershed and its flood potential based

on provincial standards has been

performed to determine if the current

culvert is adequate for projected high

water conditions. It is evident from the

site visit that the installation does not

meet accepted standards and thus it is

doubtful that culvert size calculations were preformed prior to installation. Observations suggesting a lack of

formal water crossing planning includes:

• culvert length being too short to allow for stabile fill slopes to hold ciulvert in place

• lack of silt barriers or run off diversions to mitigate sedimentation

• lack of armouring of the approaches to the culvert6

6 Water crossings standards required the use of rip rap (clean stone) or buttresses to buffer high water levels and channel run off

through the culvert instead of eroding and undermining the fill supporting the culvert causing a wash out.

.

Figure 5. Light ditching and a skiff of gravel on portions of the existing trail will improve access to support maintenance and tending activities, note rutting cause by uncontrolled access, York 104 acres.


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An allocation is recommended to better stabilize this critical structure as it controls access to the property.

Water crossing maintenance is estimated at $20,000

5.4 Access Control The property`s access is currently used by adventurist members of the public looking for off road

challenges. A gate controlling access to the property at the highway is recommended to protect investment

in the road and plantation. Two other access points occur in the midpoint of the property permitting access

to both abutting properties. Consultation with owners of the abutting properties would be appropriate to

determine the appropriate access controls. Subject to access controls on the neighbouring properties, such

control may not be required. Contact with adjacent neighbours has not occurred at this time.

In the event access control with the neighbouring property is desired, physical barriers such as

berms or ditching can be used create this access control. This type of access control can be built into the

site clearing and tile drainage work. The gate at the highway is estimated at $5,000.00 for installation.

5.5 Seedling Procurement Brian Fox of Fox Brand is recognized by the industry as a quality grower of Christmas tree stock.

Planting stock is $0.70/seedling. Seedlings for establishment are sold as 3+1 or 2+2 stock7

5.5 Planting

. This planting

should occur no sooner than the season following the site preparation. Approximately 87,500 trees can be

planted on an estimated 35 ha of productive land. The Christmas tree production life cycle is approximately

12 years. Ten years growing and a two year re-cultivating the land and re-establishing the crop. Thus it is

recommended that approximately 8,750 trees be established on an annual basis over the next ten years to

develop an even flow management of the Christmas tree crop starting in 2010. Seedling procurement is

estimated to cost $6,125.00 for 2010.

Mr. Fox will plant the seedlings at a cost of $1.30/seedling with a minimum order of 10,000

seedlings. Thus, the unit planting cost for 8,750 seedlings is $1.49 per seedling. Planting is undertaken by

mechanical planting machine creating a consistent spacing and planted position in the soil. Establishment

7 The first number refers to the number years grown in the establishment nursery bed. The second number refers to the number

of years transplanted to a second nursery bed.


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cost is estimated at $13,000 in 2010. The cultivation of the site is required for efficient mechanical planting

and control of planting costs.

5.6 Establishment Cost The following table presents a three year window estimating the establishment costs to convert the

York site to Christmas tree plantation at 8,750 trees per year. The scenario compares the two land clearing

methods assuming 86.5 acres of productive land is available. Without consideration for the time value of

money, the chipping method is almost double the cost of the windrow method.


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Target Area 35 ha 86.5 acresChipping Option Windrow Option

Time = 0 Time = 0Activity $/acre Activity $/acre

chip, de-stump, de-rock 2,500.00 Windrow 83.24tile drainage 1,500.00 tile drainage 1,500.00

tilling, cultivation 55.49 tilling, cultivation 55.49herbicide (2 applications) 24.28 herbicide (2 applications) 24.28cover crop establishment 18.50 cover crop establishment 18.50

total site preparation rate 4,098.27 total site preparation rate 1,681.50

Subtotal Establishment Estimate 354,500.00 Subtotal Establishment Estimate 145,450.00

road construction 30,000.00 road construction 30,000.00water crossing improvement 20,000.00 water crossing improvement 20,000.00

gate 5,000.00 gate 5,000.00Subtotal infrastructure cost 55,000.00 Subtotal infrastructure cost 55,000.00

Total Intial Costs 409,500.00 Total Intial Costs 200,450.00

Time = 1 Time = 1seedling quantity 8,750.00 seedling quantity 8,750.00

seedling rate 0.70 seedling rate 0.70cost seedlings 6,125.00 cost seedlings 6,125.00

planting 13,000.00 planting 13,000.00Planting Costs 19,125.00 Planting Costs 19,125.00

Time = 2 Time = 2seedling quantity 8,750.00 seedling quantity 8,750.00

seedling rate 0.70 seedling rate 0.70cost seedlings 6,125.00 cost seedlings 6,125.00

planting 13,000.00 planting 13,000.00Herbicide Tending T1 Seedlings 2,187.50 Herbicide Tending T1 Seedlings 2,187.50

Grind Windrows 20,000Cultivate/ establish cover crop, herbicide 4,250

Planting Costs 21,312.50 Planting Costs 45,562.50

Three Year Cost 449,937.50 Three Year Cost 265,137.50


Page | 19

Appendix I The boundary is well marked at the north end of the property. The boundary edge has a thin wooded strip of no more than 15 to 20 metres. The adjacent property is currently fully wooded. A trail is present through this wooded area on the neighbouring property that parallels the property boundary within 50 metres. Image AI.1 displays the northwest corner marker, blazed on a cedar tree. Image AI.2 displays the corner blaze on a spruce located in the southwest corner of the property. Blazed trees continue for a distance along the south boundary from this corner point. Remnants of an old fence line are evident along the south property boundary as noted in image AI.03. In other locations the boundary is evident from the cleared blaze line as displayed in photo AI.04. A sketch of the property and the corner points located, along with selected feature of the property is also included in this appendix. Image AI.01 Northwest corner blaze on cedar tree UTM 19 T 673523 5131271 York Township GW New Brunswick Project Ltd. Image AI.02 Southwest corner blaze on spruce tree UTM 19 T 673645 5131447 York Township Greenwood New Brunswick Project Ltd.


Page | 20

Image AI.03. Remnant wire fence line along south boundary York Township GW New Brunswick Project Ltd. Image AI.04 Open blaze line evident along the southern boundary York Township Greenwood New Brunswick Project Ltd.


Page | 21

Appendix II

Hollands Soil Analysis - Sunpoke NB

Soil Analysis Results and Recommendations

__________________ ___________________________ ___________________________Soil Analysis OM Total N C/N pH K Ca Mg P K K

Sample Number

1 Hollands Sundbury 3 1.30 0.038 20.50 4.30 0.06 0.12 0.07 14.00 95.00 0.242 Hollands Sundbury 4,5 2.10 0.047 26.20 4.80 0.05 0.01 0.03 5.00 122.00 0.313 Hollands Sundbury 1,2 2.30 0.090 14.80 4.70 0.06 0.20 0.08 3.00 113.00 0.29

meq/100g ppm meq/100g meq/100g meq/100g_______________________________________________________________Recommended Conditions pH OM CEC P K Ca Mg

5.5+ 4.5+ 10.0+ 75-100 0.4 1.5-5.0 0.5-2.0

To convert PPM or meq/100 g to lbs/acre

Multiple ppm by 2

meq/100g multiply values of Ca * 400Mg * 240K * 780No3 * 1240Na * 460

Exchangeable AvailableFarm Name: GW GroupDate: Sep. 2008 % meq/100g ppm meq/100g

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Hollands Soil Analysis - Stanley NB

Soil Analysis Results and Recommendations

__________________ ___________________________ ___________________________Soil Analysis OM Total N C/N pH K Ca Mg P K K

Sample Number

1 Hollands York 1, 4, 24 4.10 0.163 14.50 5.50 0.07 3.70 0.23 3.00 98.00 0.252 Hollands York 2, 3, 5 5.00 0.258 11.20 5.60 0.07 3.97 0.25 5.00 125.00 0.323 Hollands York 6, 7, 8 5.00 0.119 24.60 4.90 0.02 0.07 0.02 1.00 52.00 0.134 Hollands York 9, 19 4.60 0.102 26.30 4.60 0.02 0.17 0.05 1.00 45.00 0.125 Hollands York 20 6.90 0.171 23.40 4.10 0.03 0.81 0.12 5.00 52.00 0.136 Hollands York 21, 22, 23 5.60 0.124 26.00 4.80 0.07 0.05 0.03 5.00 76.00 0.197 Hollands York 25, 26 5.50 0.198 16.10 5.60 0.10 2.83 0.21 8.00 145.00 0.378 Hollands York 27 7.20 0.299 13.90 5.50 0.09 3.52 0.31 3.00 128.00 0.339 Hollands York 30, 31 19.70 0.751 15.30 5.60 0.24 10.03 0.58 5.00 238.00 0.61

10 Hollands York 32, 33 4.40 0.136 18.80 5.00 0.05 1.33 0.08 2.00 60.00 0.1511 Hollands York 34, 35 8.40 0.229 21.40 5.40 0.05 1.36 0.13 6.00 93.00 0.2412 Hollands York 36, 37 6.10 0.216 16.40 4.80 0.07 1.77 0.36 4.00 88.00 0.23

meq/100g ppm meq/100g meq/100g meq/100g_______________________________________________________________Recommended Conditions pH OM CEC P K Ca Mg

5.5+ 4.5+ 10.0+ 75-100 0.4 1.5-5.0 0.5-2.0

To convert PPM or meq/100 g to lbs/acre

Multiple ppm by 2

meq/100g multiply values of Ca * 400Mg * 240K * 780No3 * 1240Na * 460

Exchangeable Available Farm Name: GW GroupDate: Sep 2008 % meq/100g ppm meq/100g

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